Courtesy of Ezer Mizion

A young man marries, looking forward to long hours spent with his new wife, sharing incidents from their growing up years, planning how they will bring up their own children, lengthy sessions deciding the merits of keeping his shirts in a drawer or in the closet. But for Chananya Chollak and; his new wife, their first year was not a time of bliss as they had expected. Two months after Chananya got married, his father-in-law had a stroke that paralyzed half of his body. Instead of eager confidences over a lovingly prepared supper, Chananya and his wife found themselves sharing medical updates on the run, as one took over the shift from the other. The young man may have been disappointed. He may have turned bitter and resentful. Chananya’s heart was bigger than that. He used the opportunity to grow, and, in so doing, eventually benefited hundreds of thousands of his fellow Jews.

During the long recovery process of his father-in-law, Chananya got to know the world of hospitals all too well. At the time that his father-in-law was hospitalized, a young girl with cancer was there as well. Her mother stayed with her all day, and her father, all night. Chananya organized eight neighbors to take shifts at the young girl’s bedside to give the weary parents some time to rest. With a heart that could feel the pain of others, even as he himself was bleeding with sorrow, Chananya gave birth to Ezer Mizion, Israel’s Health Support Organization, today assisting the most vulnerable segments of Israel’s society.

In his daily visits to the hospital, Chananya noticed that dialysis patients were coming to the hospital for treatment three times a week by ambulance. He calculated the cost of traveling back and forth to the hospital by ambulance to be exorbitant. And so Chananya got hold of a large vehicle, turned it into a professionally outfitted ambulance, funded by friends, and began arranging free transport to and from the hospital for medical treatment. This original vehicle has since been replaced by many, many more as Ezer Mizion’s fleet of ambulances continues to assist the ill and the frail.

Involvement with the needs of sick people and their families let Chananya and his steadily growing volunteer corps to initiate other ways to help ease the difficulties associated with illness. Realizing that proper meals for the families of the ill were needed for nutritional and emotional support, the Cholaks would send a few meals every week from their home to family members of sick people. More volunteers joined the Cholak’s efforts and Ezer Mizion’s Food Distribution Program, today a nationwide operation that distributes half a million meals a year, was born.

Similarly, the Ezer Mizion Bone Marrow Donor Registry, today the largest Jewish registry in the world, originated with a grass-roots bone marrow drive to find a matching donor for a leukemia patient, whose family was desperately seeking a genetic match for their loved one somewhere out there in the Jewish world.

An idealistic young man, confronted with a situation that would upset the equilibrium of those much older than he, does not surrender to feelings that center on self, but instead turns his emotions outward and becomes a blessing to mankind.

Inspired? Take a few minutes to support Ezer Mizion’s International Bone Marrow Registry – every extra test you help fund can save lives IMMEDIATELY.

Here are just some of the amazing projects you can support to promote, care for, and strengthen the role of women in our society. Take a few minutes to read about some of them and help make a difference!

Financial Literacy for Women and Girls (Yedid: The Association for Community Empowerment)
Emotional Counseling for Women in Need (Counseling Center for Women)
The Elga Stulman Women’s Institute for Jewish Studies (Oranim College)
Jumpstart Employment Program for Young Women (Israel Women’s Network)
Shelter for Domestic Violence Victims, Haifa (Women’s Crisis Shelter)
Kama Be`er: holistic religious education and community service for young women (The Yerucham Association in Memory of Ruth Tal)
Challenging Career Opportunity for Girls at Risk (Ulpanat Dolev)

Or visit our homepage and search for your specific area of interest.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Now that 2009 is three months behind us – the numbers are starting to roll in – how much did the internet grow, how many people used it – and for what? Below I’ve compiled some of the more interesting figures from the year – enjoy! (Unless otherwise stated, data is courtesy Pingdom)

JGooders was not the only new website added to the growing cyberspace over the course of last year; 47 million new sites were launched in 2009. Luckily, while number of sites continued to grow, there was also an increase in the number of users by 18% over the previous year. In September 2009, it is estimated that there were 1.73 billion Internet users worldwide. One might assume that most of them come from North America – but see the numbers below:

* 738,257,230 – Internet users in Asia
* 418,029,796 – Internet users in Europe
* 252,908,000 – Internet users in North America
* 179,031,479 – Internet users in Latin America / Caribbean
* 67,371,700 – Internet users in Africa
* 57,425,046 – Internet users in the Middle East
* 20,970,490 – Internet users in Oceania / Australia

When I saw the following numbers below, I couldn’t help thinking about how we spend our time, and what we have to give up doing to do be online as much as we are:

* 90 trillion – The number of emails sent on the Internet in 2009
* 247 billion – Average number of email messages per day
* 1.4 billion – The number of email users worldwide
* 100 million – New email users since the year before

Makes you wonder…but even these numbers don’t reflect our time online – it’s just e-mails. You need to read and answer them but then think about all the other online activities out there – tweeting, sharing links with the growing number of your online friends, groups, blogs, networks, etc.. So here is what it accumulates to globally:

350 million – People on Facebook
50% – Percentage of Facebook users that log in every day
126 million – The number of blogs on the Internet (as tracked by BlogPulse)
84% – Percent of social network sites with more women than men
27.3 million – Number of tweets on Twitter per day (November, 2009)
57% – Percentage of Twitter’s user base located in the United States

And we did not mention, googling, gaming, shopping, chatting, traveling, Skypeing…if this is how much time we spent online in 2009 – just imagine what the future holds – each of us will literally spend years of our lives in front of computers. We had better do good with some of this years.

About a month ago, I saw a posting for this seminar on LinkedIn. Not sure if I could afford to give up TWO days of work, I couldn’t decide if I should go. I knew all the reasons to go; learn about online fundraising, invest in our organization’s future NOW, network with other NPO’s, meet new people and make connections. I hemmed and hawed about going, right up until the last moment, but finally decided to go.

After registration, coffee and an introduction from Tova Serkin, Eli Shua, COO of JGooders started off the first day with an overview of the internet and philanthropy, explaining the evolution in the field and changes from Web 1.0 to Wed 2.0 and what we can expect from Web 3.0 in the near future. This was really informative for me, because just last week I was upset about the number of viewers who had clicked on our latest e-newsletter. But I learned from Eli that on average 15 – 30% of people who receive them open them up – and in fact we had 25%. Not bad for a new and fledgling NPO. Eli’s session was followed by a workshop by Eran Ben-ari and Tova about mapping your organization’s online presence through email (and e-newsletters) website, social networking and internet ads.

There were a few other sessions and workshops that day; but as I am writing this blog, I am trying to consider what really stood out for me. I think it was that while recognizing that online fundraising is currently in it’s early stages, NPO’s should invest time NOW to build their internet presence, develop relationships with online donors and become proficient with the world of social networking, so that they are really out there when it becomes all the rage. That was an important lesson for me, since I am continuously at odds with myself, always questioning how to most effectively allocate our resources and time at Partners with Parents R”A.

During the second day of the seminar I learned how to identify key variables which influence success in online philanthropy and how to manipulate them in order to maximize success. While I felt I knew a lot of what we covered the first day, this mathematical formula was new for me, and I was happy I now had a tool I could to help improve the outcome of our efforts.

The day ended with a talk given by Royi Biller about GuideStar Israel. I think it is fantastic that GuideStar is coming to Israel. It means there will be more accountability and transparency for all nonprofit organizations in Israel – something I believe has a lot of room for improvement.

The group of participants were diverse, representing a huge array of organizations, of different sizes, budgets and personalities! Running an organization, teaching kids with learning disabilities and working with parents doesn’t give me much opportunity to socialize with colleagues. It was great meeting people from so many different causes and having a chance to talk and learn from them. I hope next time we will have more time to exchange ideas and help each other out. Kudos to JGooders for a job well done!

Gayle can be reached at gayle@partnerswithparents.org.il

For more information about the next JGooders seminar in Jerusalem (March 17 and March 22) see the website.

This year, Orr Shalom celebrates its 30th birthday. During that time, it has become Israel’s largest organization providing homes for children and youth who have been removed from their homes by the social welfare services following severe abuse or neglect. What began as a small-scale project has now become a pioneering model for transforming the lives of some of Israel’s most tragic children. Until the late 1970s, children-at-risk who were removed from their homes were mostly sent to large youth villages. A young couple, Hal and Shelly Cohen, believed in a more homely, family-oriented solution. They then began to care for ten Israeli children-at-risk under the supervision of the Ministry of Welfare. Following the success of this enterprise, the Ministry of Welfare then gave them a permit to establish Israel’s first family therapeutic group home. Orr Shalom was born. .

Thirty years later, Orr Shalom cares for over 1,300 children in 550 foster-homes, eight emergency intake foster-homes, 40 foster-therapeutic homes, 17 family therapeutic group homes, seven adolescent girls homes, two intensive-care closed facilities, and one transition home for graduates. The fundamental principles, though, haven’t changed: Orr Shalom remains devoted to transforming children’s lives by investing in them and caring for them in a warm and loving family environment. One example is the campaign to transform Ariella’s* life. Orphaned at the age of four, she was placed in the care of an Orr Shalom foster-family. Today, she continues to suffer from severe trauma as a result of her painful upbringing. Because of this, Orr Shalom has launched an emergency campaign to try and provide her with the specialist care she needs. Orr Shalom strives to go the extra mile for all its children, in order to ensure that they get the same opportunities in life as anyone else.

Orr Shalom will be marking its thirtieth anniversary with a number of special events, including a gala performance at the Cameri Theater in Tel Aviv of Carlo Goldoni’s comedy A Servant of Two Masters. Be sure to keep a lookout throughout the year at the Orr Shalom website for regular updates on Ariella and other children like her.

*Name has been changed.

No one can be prouder than the Jewish and Israeli communities – from the much-lauded field hospitals, to the millions raised by NGOs – even the media has highlighted our impressive work. As a primary Jewish value, tikkun olam unites us all in our desire to build a better world – and our institutional and grassroots bodies have been wonderfully effective in rallying to meet the critical needs in Haiti.

But the crisis isn’t over – and won’t be for months. The initial rush of aid has ended – but the needs are still great. From the very basics of providing food, water and shelter to the hundreds of thousands of people living without homes – to the long and difficult rebuilding process that lays ahead – the work is great.

If you have already donated and are capable of more, even a little more – we urge you to support the important projects that are helping the people of Haiti in their time of need. If you have not yet donated – there has never been a better time. No donation is too small – and every amount makes a difference.

There are so many options and so JGooders has made it easy for you. We have gathered five Jewish and/or Israeli organizations, of all sizes and orientations that are working in Haiti. These organizations are among the most experienced in the world in relief efforts – and allow you to fulfill your commitment to tikkun olam and humankind through Jewish and Israeli frameworks – according to your interests.

Visit our Haiti page to read about these incredible projects and to support their relief efforts.

With deep appreciation to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, American Jewish World Service, Israel Flying Aid, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and World ORT for all they are doing to help in Haiti – and beyond.

Yesterday we arrived back at the base with a list of things needed to be done for the “Orphelina” orphanage and with one of the youngest girls who looked very sick. One of the nuns joined her and didn’t leave her side while the doctors diagnosed her with a serious infection. She is still in the hospital and doing much better but the doctors told us that if we didn’t bring her she might have died.

We woke up this morning and the only thing I didn’t manage to secure completely yesterday evening was the truck to pick up the supply and to distribute it.

By 8:45am, I had a promise from Alex, a local manager, that he will cover the truck issue for me. By 9:30 I had a truck going all over the base and collecting everything we worked on raising last night:

We secured the following from the IDF and other organizations:
• 100 mattresses
• 100 mosquito nets
• 100 blankets
• 5 full sets of kitchen dishes
• 35 Jerry cans
• 500 bars of soap
• Hundreds of rolls toilet paper rolls
• Dish soap
• Cleaning materials
• Lots of medical equipment and medicines
• Diapers
• Baby formula
• 100 baby bottles

The Colombian Medical delegation also provided us with copious amounts of special liquid for hydration, and Albert, a local business man provided a huge tank of water. We collected all this supply and drove to the “Orphelina”. Dr. Amir joined us with two nurses, Limor and Yifat who helped Linoy, our one and only nurse, – and examined and vaccinated all the girls and nuns.

Dr. Amit said that other than two more serious cases, the girls are suffering only from lack of food – a situation we are able to fix. One of the girls has a broken leg. The second case is of 8 year-old Daniella – Dr. Amit didn’t like the sound of her heart. We are trying to schedule her for a heart ECHO tomorrow in order to understand what is wrong. All the girls got a balloon for being brave while receiving 3 injections.

The atmosphere was amazing and what was truly strong was the behavior of the nuns. Yesterday they were in shock, today they were over the moon. It looked like they understand that we are really planning to help them for the long run.

I am leaving back home with David and Haim the day after tomorrow with the IDF delegation. The rest of our delegation will stay until February 3rd. They will join the “Orphelina” and will make sure to provide then with all they need while I will work from Israel on building a strong long-term infrastructure together with Orange Israel.

I do not know what I can write in order to try and provide you with the feeling that I have. 50 girls and 20 nuns are having a healthier and happier life thanks to our mission!

To learn more about Jewish and Israeli projects helping in Haiti – and to support their important work – visit the JGooders Haiti Relief Page.

Yesterday was tough! It was our first day in Haiti, trying to understand how we can help these people. It took us three full, tiring days to arrive here – only to walk around all day and not know how the hell to start? With whom? With what?

The feeling was whatever we will do will not be enough

We split up to find a long-term project which would answer a critical need. After collecting some intelligence from the streets and making our way through destroyed roads, some of the team arrived at “Orphelina” – orphanage house for girls. The house belongs to the church and is run by a group of nuns. The modest and unfinished building managed to survive the earthquake almost unharmed. When the group walked inside the gate, they heard the voice of angels singing. It was the sound of the nuns’ voice. They were surrounded by a group of girls, 1-14, years of age. It was dark, but they managed to see that they are making the best of the so little that they have.

This is why we came here; this is what we were looking for; this is where we can make a difference.

We woke up this morning all excited: Linoy – our one and only children’s nurse joined the hospital staff, while Shuli, Dudi and Hamutal – our amazing medical clowns – went to do their holy mission of making children laugh here in the hospital area and out in the streets while our IDF soldiers are building water towers for the locals.

The rest of us made our way to the orphanage escorted by the IDF delegation officer.

This was at 7:30 in the morning.
Since then, we have managed to:

• Do a short assessment of what needs to be done urgently.
• Put in place a fast plan divided to “mission groups”.
• IDF – in charge of bringing the delegation engineer for a safety check of the building
• 1st group – led by Limor – staying with the nuns and the girls, helping them and playing with them
• 2nd group – led by Chaim – finding a local contractor and putting in place a group of workers who will start to clean the land next door and work on the infrastructure.
• 3nd group – led by us – going to do some food shopping the local Sunday market

How can I put in words the experience we had?

Haim Beker, Orange Israel, COO who is 65 years old cleared up the land and managed to put in place an infrastructure for tomorrow in order to get running water for the orphanage.

Limor, our local contact from the Dominican Republic reached the heart of every child in the orphanage. The girls played with the tons of toys and goods “Mama Yokero” and Toy R Us donated to our delegation with hardly any previous notice.

Watching David Avner, Orange Israel CEO, carrying 50 kilos sacks of rice on his back, loading the trucks with food for the girls and working hand in hand with us, was truly a strong moment for me.

After unloading all the food in back in the orphanage, and making sure the nuns have all they need in order to make the girls and for them good meal we left in order to make all arrangements for tomorrow.

Stay tuned for more updates from the field. To support Israel Flying Aid’s wor with children in Haiti – visit their project card at JGooders.com.

It is both a human and a Jewish responsibility to act – and millions of people have done so via the web since last Tuesday. But as all media and governments report – the need is great and will continue to be so over the next weeks and months.

JGooders wants to help you help those in the direst of need and so are featuring the American Jewish Joint Distribution (JDC)’s Earthquake Disaster Relief project in Haiti.
To help respond to this earthquake, JDC is focusing its efforts on providing emergency medical aid to the injured. Supplies are needed to treat the scores of victims including medicines, medical equipment and other aid. In addition, with people displaced from their home, they have little or no food. JDC is also on providing meals to Haitians.

JDC is working with a network of Israeli, American, and other local partners on the ground and is fully coordinated with the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) as well as Interaction in Washington D.C

As we begin this week – please contribute a few minutes of your time, and whatever resources you are able, to help those in need. Please also pass this on to others looking for a quick, safe way to donate.

The campaign was particularly successful and raised during December 2009 NIS 300,000 (nearly $80,000). Thousands of people from 60 different countries visited JGooders – most of them from Israel and the United States. Approximately 3% of all visits to the site culminated in donations, significantly higher than the 1% benchmark considered a success in the e-commerce and e-philanthropy sectors. Hundreds of people made donations ranging in size from $5 – $1500 for projects in fields including education, coexistence, health, Jewish identity, poverty and more. The average donation size was an impressive $115.

JGooders congratulates the winners of the Sprint to the Finish Campaign: The Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel’s L’Chaim project which was awarded a $1,000 for having raised the most money during this period, and Omanoot – Israel through Art who won $500 for having the greatest number of donors during this month.

Great job guys – we’re proud of you!